Lens error, I have been told to restart, which I did but still the error continues

Answers :

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.\012

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.\012

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.\012

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.\012

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:\012

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.\012

Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.\012

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.\012

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.\012

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in "no heat" setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).\012

Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.\012

Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.\012

Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

My camera keeps saying: A camera error was detected Will shut down automatically Restart E32 I tried to restart it but still the message continues to appear on the screen...I can only do the preview f

My camera keeps saying:
A camera error was detected
Will shut down automatically
Restart
E32
I tried to restart it but still the message continues to appear on the screen...I can only do the preview for few seconds or a minute.
Please help me fix this problem. Thank you and godbless!

Lens error I tried to turn off my camera, (Digital Ixus 60) and the lens froze halfway closed. When I tried to restart the camera, an error comes up on the screen, saying LENS ERROR, RESTART CAMERA. I had this problem before on this camera, but while it was still under warranty. I sent it to be fixed, but now it seems the problem isn't fixed. Is there anything I can do now?

The only thing is, is that it is past it's warranty. THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERS DEFECTS, AND FACTORY ERRORS. \015\012\015\012IF THE LENS DOESNT GO BACK IN, THEY CANT FORCE IT AND YOU PAY THE FULL COST OF THE ENTIRE LENS BEING REPLACED AND T ...
Canon PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH / IXUS 65 Digital Camera

How do you fix 'lens error restart camera'
I put it in my bookbag. I guess i threw my bookbag around and now i have this "lens error, restart camera." The lens froze halfway and it's staying that way. Please help.
I have te same problem with my camera the battery went flat and the lens was still out so i tried to tur it on but it says lens error 112 and it won't turn on !

This is probably THE most common failure among digital cameras. There's a halfway chance of fixing it yourself, described here: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html ...
Sanyo VPC-S7 Digital Camera

When I open my cam for capture it says LENS ERROR RESTART CAMERA then I restart it never works still the LENS ERROR RESTART CAMERA. what will i do?thanks

The possibility that your camera has encountered a fault in the auto focus mechanism is doubtful. Try to remove the battery and test the voltage. clean the terminals, look for dirt in the lens area - possible sand locked in- use a good air jet to cle ...
Canon Digital Cameras

System error ya my digital camera coolpix 885 was just working fine,with no problems,then suddenly i tried zoom in and zoom out,took a picture,and the next moment i see all the images taken henceforth are blurred,tried everything clicking pictures with and without flash,zoom in and out and other things,it still does'nt work so i thought i ll switch it off n then restart and hell it gives an error message "system error".
so as usual i removed my battery and replaced it back still it shows "syste

HelloThe problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the \015\012probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a pro ...
Nikon Coolpix 885 Digital Camera

System error ya my digital camera coolpix 885 was just working fine,with no problems,then suddenly i tried zoom in and zoom out,took a picture,and the next moment i see all the images taken henceforth are blurred,tried everything clicking pictures with and without flash,zoom in and out and other things,it still does'nt work so i thought i ll switch it off n then restart and hell it gives an error message "system error".
so as usual i removed my battery and replaced it back still it shows "syste

My Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph camera is saying "Lens Error, Restart Camera" what must I do. I have restarted it a couple times and it is still not working. The lens is still not closed. Help.

Lens error My zoom will not work. I can take pictures if I don't zoom, but as soon as I try to zoom in, the screen goes black, the camera beeps a few times and a message that says "lens error, restart camera". However, upon restarting the camera, nothing changes - it still won't zoom!. Also, when turning on the camera, when the lens first comes out...it sounds funny, like it is puttering. Help?

Powershot S3 IS: lens error message, lens juddering on startup but not \015\012coming out. Tried all tricks on internet without success, so decided to \015\012dismantle camera. Localised fault to optical position encoder on first \015\012transfer gea ...
Canon PowerShot S3 IS Digital Camera

Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. O ...
Canon PowerShot A420 Digital Camera

Lens Error Pertaining to my Canon Power Shot A590 IS: when the power is turned on, I am receiving an "Lens error, Restart Camera" malfunction. I turned the camera off and back on; still same issue. I also removed the batteries; still the same issues. What is your recommendation?

This message appears when a malfunction in the lens occurs. It could be a grain of sand jamming a gear or a barrel out of alignment. In any case, the lens is not serviceable, you would need to take your camera to your nearest repair centre to have it ...
Canon PowerShot A560 Digital Camera

Error Message Hello! Every time I turn My Sony camera on it starts beeping and and giving me the error message "Turn the power off and on again." I've tried turning it off and back on, along with taking the battery out and putting it back in and even pressing the reset button and I'm still continuing to get the same error message. Any ideas on what I can try next?

Lens error I keep this Elph in a tiny, padded Halliburton case because the last TWO I bought ended up with broken screens.
I never had a problem, though lightly used. Last night I recharged the battery and inserted it. Immediately upon power-up, the lens went out and I got a "Lens error, restart camera" error. I turned it on and off about twenty times, left the battery out overnight: same thing. I jiggled the lens with the same result. Canon tech support told me to take the battery out a

E18 ERROR I have a Canon PowerShot A85 camera. The screen goes balck and I get the error. I have read that the lens could be stuck becuase of sand, etc. But, I have tried what the blogs have told me and I still get the error.

Lens Error I recently had a problem with my Casio QV-R4... every time I'd turn it on, the lens would retract and I'd get a "LENS ERROR" message on the screen. I talked to customer support and they told me that Installing the new version of their firmware, v1.01 would fix this problem.
I've since installed the new firmware version, but I am still receiving the lens error. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Does anyone know how to fix it?
Please help!!!

As solutions 1 & 2 indicate, lubing the gears works!! This is a great camera, so I hope all of the QV-R4 owners try this. I may become a maintenance item for the camera.\015\012 \015\012I have a few a ...
Casio QV-R4 Digital Camera

Vista I got the camera for my son and it won't let me use it- connection error. I downloaded the Vista Driver and restarted but I still have a connection error

The error is not with the camera but more in the system of the USB drive. Errors could come from a number of things such as, dust being clogged around the USB drive and liquior would damage is permenately. You could have your computer sprayed with th ...
Sakar Kidz Cam Digital Camera

Lens error I have a Canon Powershoot SD1000 and it was working fine until one day the lens stopped retracting. Now it doesn't retract and I get a Lens Error, Restart Camera message. I looked at other websites to get help and tried some of the ways they suggest to fix it. Not sure if its working, because it still gives the same message and makes a noise sounding like its trying to retract then gives me the Canon welcome picture. I've only had this for a little over a year and would like it to be

HelloThe problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the \012probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional. ...
Canon IXUS V2 Digital Camera

Lens Error! I dropped my camera on the floor, and now the lens wont open fully or
close. The LCD says "lens error,restart camera." But even when I turn
the camera off, it still happens. Its a Canon Power Shot A550. I need
to find out how to fix my camera without breaking it some more.

Same problem. The lens is stuck in the zoom position. When the camera is turned on, the lens moves a just afraction like it want to fully open or close, then the camera beeps and prompts with the "Lens Error" Restart Camera. Solutions? ...
Canon PowerShot A550 Digital Camera

ERROR C:13:01 I have a sony dsc-s30 digital camara every time i turn on i get error c:13:01 i change the memory stick still have same problem some one told me to push reset button , can'T FIND IT NEED HELP

I had the same problem... just switch on the cam with the memory card in it. Then go to menu, and in that find the FORMAT option and format the card. That's it.... ur cam should work fine now! Let me know if it was successful! ...
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-S30 Digital Camera

Just purchased an powershot SX1 IS. I took one photo, zoomed in on it to see how clear the zoom was once taken a photo. THen it switched itself of with the lens still out. Now when turning it on it has a black screen and say lens error...restart camera. I have tried holding func. when turning on the camera and the time comes up on the screen. But as soon as I let go of func I get the error msg.

Hello if you just purchased this unit Then i advise you to take it back, this sounds like a system control issue or main board problem. Holding the function key while turning is factory reset, if this is not working right them the camera has a bad sy ...
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera

Lens error my camera was a bit blurry so i used my shirt to wipe a bit of it then when i shut it off the lens got stuck and now when i turn it on its says "lens error restart camera." but every time i do its still stuck and makes a buzzing noise

The lens has probably got something in the retraction mechanism that is stopping it retracting. This can be something as simple as sand or grit or as a result of a drop or knock. In most cases the camera will need to be stripped apart to remove the l ...
Canon IXUS 80 IS Digital Camera

I have a G9 camera. I woke up this morning and the lens was extended. I tried turning it on ans it says
"lens error, restart camera". The instruction manual does not give me any options on how to restart the camera. I have take the battery off and putit back on. It still won;t work. I purchased the camerain Feb of this year. Help I need to use it this week

Unfortunately a lens error means the lens is damaged in some way, and will usually only work after repairs by Canon...Give Canon a call they may have more specifics on how to fix this, but expect to be shipping it in.Support p ...
Canon Digital Cameras

I have a cannon powershot sd79is. it states lens error, restart camera but when I do so error is still there. it seems the lens is stuck

Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or ...
Digital Cameras

Lens error Hit there my lens is all the way out and stuck there. When I trun It on it say lens error, restart camera. Than the camera shuts down on its own. I put new batterys in it still nothing.

Hello Justin,\015\012Thank you so much for you tips regarding lens error. It really worked and I can use my camera! I was about to buy another camera since repair costs almost like a new one. Thanks a lot...............Shlomo ...
Canon PowerShot A430 Digital Camera

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